Reviews written by Anton Ilinski
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The Embalmer (US Version)
The Embalmer (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$17.95Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 DULLAfter multiple reviews, annotations, articles and notes about the film you haven't seen you usually grasp something. And this something is usually an idea based on some key words. Now imagine that you memorized (like I did) the following key words for "The Embalmer": thriller, taxidermy, corpses, mafia, unexpected twists. And you read the following lines on the box-cover as well: "diabolical thriller", "seductive and suspenseful", "profoundly creepy", "bizarre twists", "perverse and chilling"... I guess you'll get the idea and you'll be expecting something extraordinary won't you? Especially knowing it's an Italian movie...
But you will not find anything of the listed above in "The Embalmer". Well, there is a story of human obsession with homoerotic overtones and with a murder, but the film is just so lingering and dull. It seems like for the first hour nothing happens on screen at all. And you realize all your expectations are ruined.
Don't get me wrong - this may not be a bad movie, maybe you will like it but I just want to warn everyone who's expecting some intense thriller - it's not intense it's more like boring.
I gave it three stars more for what this movie could have been, not for what it is.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
They Came Back (US Version)
They Came Back (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$12.95Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 COULD'VE BEEN INGENIOUSI want to say straight away: the concept of the film was great if not to say ingenious. This is the first movie where dead people don't act like blood and flesh-thirsty creatures, here they are "returnees" who came back and want to return to their normal lives. Just think how many possibilities can this astonishing plot afford - people who are happy to see their deceased ones, those who don't want to meet them at all because (admit it) it's pretty eerie, one of the marriage-partners returns and sees that the other one is already living happily with a new husband (wife), and what would that other person do in this situation, a murder victim meets his killer (what would be the reaction), should a murderer be judged after he's returned?
There's a million questions the makers of the film could ask but they didn't. Instead they are concentrating on a couple of returnees' lives after their comeback, but this concentration doesn't lead anywhere. I can say that there are many uneasy and sombre moments in the film, the atmosphere of total incomprehension of what happened is done great, but it's one of those cases when we ask ourselves after the final credits: so what does this all mean? along with many other questions. No answers are given by the director. None.
And talking of questions - if some person returns from the dead and begins to live normally among people, and if you know this person - wouldn't you want to ask him something? I bet you would. And I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you are going to ask him about. But noone asks in the movie! I was waiting for the whole 2 hours - and nothing. Just some kid tried to say something but grown-ups obturated him quickly. And noone else asks. When such things happen - I don't believe a film. Living dead are OK but not asking them about what they experienced is improbable.
So I gave it 3 stars for a try but it could have been much better. Speaking frankly it could be a real masterpiece.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Locals (US Version)
The Locals (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$9.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 A LOCAL MOVIEReading the synopsis and reviews for this film I thought it would remind "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Wrong Turn" or something like that. But it appeared that the movie was totally different. I can't say whether it is good or bad but after the usual beginning (rural area trip, broken car, crime witnessing, cat and mouse chasing) a couple of surprises happened to be ahead. I won't speak of them not to ruin everything but I must say those surprises were not enough for me to give this movie more stars. Everything seemed to be at place but the whole picture looked a little immature. Besides I didn't actually like the acting which could be a lot better. Well after considering the fact that it's an indie from New Zealand made by a newcomer director I have to say it's a nice start. The thing I liked was the cinematographer's work - he did a great job - and everything concerning the technical aspects were just fine.
Comparing "The Locals" to the other films of the genre I must say that this flick would be interesting I guess only for horror buffs who want something new and fresh, something from afar. But if you just want to kill time watching something, don't bother with this one, watch something else.
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Two Evil Eyes (2-Disc Set) (US Version)
Two Evil Eyes (2-Disc Set) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$19.95Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 TWO EVIL STORIES"Two Evil Eyes" is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's stories "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" and "The Black Cat". The first one was directed by George Romero and the second - by Dario Argento. Romero's segment came out to be pretty poor to my opinion. He always specialized on low budget trashy horror and among the pictures he did really well I can only mention his "...of the dead" quadrilogy. So here he did his usual job and as a result we have received a rather midiocre novel.
Argento's segment on contrary is outstanding. This was the first working experience on American soil for the Italian master. Dario's genius and American money and scale did their best. Although "The Black Cat" is different from previous Argento works it's still very remarkable. Dark and gruesome, this story will give you creeps for sure. It tells about a crime scenes photographer who commites a terrible crime himself and tries to cover up all the traces. Although we know he's a criminal we feel compassion towards him and watch anxiously how his lies get him deeper and deeper into new lies and how police circles him tighter and tighter. The story is extremely intense and is aggravated by terrible nightmares the photographer suffers at night. Of course I have to mention Harvy Keitel's work. Without any doubt it's one of the best of his roles.
"Two Evil Eyes" is rather little-known and that's a pity, I can't understand why it is so underestimated. If you haven't seen it, buy it - the film won't be a disappointment. Romero's half will be a decent appetizer while Argento's - a real main course.
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Hatchet for the Honeymoon (US Version)
Hatchet for the Honeymoon (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 30 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 AGED AND FADED"Hatchet for the Honeymoon" tells a story of a mentally-disturbed young man working in fashion business who's obsessed with mannequins in wedding dresses. He's a paranoid as he admits himself in the beginning of the movie and has rather strange relationship (so to say) with women in general and with his pissed-off wife.
Although we may call "Hatchet..." one of the first maniac movies because there were few pictures at that time to explore the mind of a serial killer, this film also tries to be what it's not. It tries to be a slasher, a detective-story, all-in-one. Hence it gets too puzzle-headed to my opinion.
I wouldn't call it a bad movie, it was rather fresh and innovative for its time but now it just looks a little faded. More to it Mario Bava had much better pictures - "Blood and Black Lace" for example. So if you're a big fan of Bava or giallo in general don't hesitate to buy it. If you're not, I'm afraid you will be a bit disappointed.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dead Leaves (US Version)
Dead Leaves (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$19.95Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 A MOVIE ABOUT TRUE LOVEThe plot written on the back of the DVD-box is correct but the description misses a single small detail - this is not a mainstream movie. So if you expect some interesting events, adventures and horrors related to travelling with a corpse you won't get them. "Dead Leaves" is a film of mood and feeling. There are practically no dialogs and no developments. But there are a lot of interesting metaphors, monotonous and hypnotizing music, long frames where you see actually nothing but mood - rainy highways, gloomy urban landscapes and deserted motels.
I wouldn't say this movie is about madness. It's about mad love, true love. When Joey takes his deceased girlfriend for a road-trip it seems first he's so devastated he just doesn't know what he's doing. But then we see he takes her to a place he recalls they were happy at. This is not a trip to nowhere - it's a fateful journey to the beginning. To the beginning of their relation and to the beginning of life itself. Here we start to realize this trip can have only one kind of an ending. Joey is so in love with his fiancee he just can't let her go, he decides better to initiate this self-destructing tour and stay with his love till the very end.
As I said this is a film of feeling and you can feel very clearly what Joey must feel. "Dead Leaves" is extremely sad and dismal, it's spellbinding and enchanting. And definately not for everyone. This is art-house at its best, very well crafted and elaborate. It's very nice to know such movies are still being made by someone.
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A Tale Of Two Sisters (DVD) (US Version)
A Tale Of Two Sisters (DVD) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(2)Our Price: US$17.99List: US$19.99Save: US$2.00 (10%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 2, 2007 BEAUTIFUL AND ENCHANTINGI watched it yesterday and I'm still under impression. "A Tale of Two Sisters" is very beautiful, accurately-paced, thrilling and magic picture. The plot is rather complicated and I can tell only the beginning: two sisters return to their father and stepmother from a mental home. Everyone is acting rather strange - one of the sisters is very timid and browbeaten, the other one is impudent and brash. Father is self-contained and we can not understand what's on his mind. Stepmom seems way over happy for her stepdaughters' arrival but later we see everything is not exactly as it seems. Soon some strange thing begin to happen in the house...
Movie's events are intricate and it's possible that after watching it you'd want to watch it for the second time to understand all. And even after that I'm not sure you'll have an unambigous explanation.
"A Tale of Two Sisters" is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen. You can't take your eyes off the screen because it's just gorgeous like a flower. Actually this film reminded me of some splendid porcelain vase which you have to be careful with not to break. It has the accurate choice of colours, every frame is so precise and measured you just hold your breath and watch in admiration. Without any questions I'd call this film a real piece of high art. I think you'll be watching it repeatedly finding hidden meanings and hints. This edition will be a true jewel in your collection.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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An American Werewolf in London (Subtitled Spanish) (US Version)
An American Werewolf in London (Subtitled Spanish) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$9.99Related promotions:March 2, 2007 BEST WEREWOLF MOVIE EVER"An American Werewolf in London" was the first horror movie I saw in my life. I guess it was in the end of 80s and I was thrilled then. As was I about ten years later when it unexpectedly came in my hands. Immediately I decided I had to possess this flick because I thought it's a movie for ages. And till now I haven't changed my mind. "American Werewolf" is a real horror film in all the meaning of this word and it has the right amount of humor ("Mom, a naked american stole my balloons"). There are some sequences which I consider classic - this is what a true horror movie should be like (I'm talking about the sequence with a werewolf attack at moors in the beginning or about the subway scene or ingenious episode where the main character is chasing a deer in the forest). "American Werewolf" looks rather frightful although sometimes it seems John Landis didn't have such an intention. It seems the movie was supposed to be "horror" only in quotes and indeed to be fun. But the creators achieved more than they expected - one of the best contemporary (well, I guess we still may call it contemporary) horror films was born.
The make up is a whole different story. If someone tells you he saw a better man-werewolf transformation scene than in "American Werewolf", don't believe this person, he's lying. I have never seen better and I have seen a lot. It's amazing how nowdays they try to make everything with computer graphics and fail because we can always tell the difference between a living person and a computer one. Why don't they just return to good old make up? What Rick Baker (who got an Academy Award for this film) did is absolutely astonishing. Now, 25 years later the transformation scene still looks awesome, I can't figure a single detail which seems out of place. I repeat: there's no werewolf movie which can top this one as far as make up is concerned. Just "Howling" (which by the way was shot also about 25 years ago) was very close but still...
"An American Werewolf" to my opinion is the best werewolf movie ever and one of the most notable horror films in general. So I guess it's a must for every cinema fan. Besides this edition has a very interesting "making of" featurette.
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Last House on the Left (Widescreen and Full Frame) (US Version)
Last House on the Left (Widescreen and Full Frame) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.98Related promotions:February 28, 2007 VERY LAMEThe only thing that was interesting for me in this edition were the interviews of cast members in bonus features. It was rather funny to observe these guys in normal life understanding that they are not some cold-blooded murderers but really nice people :) As of a movie itself - actually I don't think anyone now can take it seriously. Because with all its plot and bloody sequences it looks very naive and silly. Later Wes Craven made an attempt to create something disturbing and succeeded - with his "The Hills Have Eyes". But "The Last House on the Left" is so stupid it can't bother anybody - only invoke an indulgent smile. Although I read so much it is the most shocking, disturbing and so forth... movie ever, although it has a tagline "To avoid fainting keep repeating: it's only a movie, only a movie...", I can't imagine a person who would faint watching this "slapstick horror". And can you believe it - in their interviews the makers of the film say their intention was to create a very disturbing flick, the one nobody ever saw. Well, maybe in 1972 this was the idea of a disturbing motion picture but definately not now.
I can't see a reason to watch "The Last House on the Left". If you seek some shocking film, find something more contemporary, something that would fit your expectations. The only reason I can come up with is to know what garbage Wes Craven was doing before he became a notorious "father" of Freddy Crueger.
There are some interesting moments in "The Last House..." but they don't overweigh the whole stupidity of this movie. If you're not a fan of Wes Craven don't ever come close to this DVD.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
High Tension ( Widescreen - Unrated ) (US Version)
High Tension ( Widescreen - Unrated ) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.98Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:February 28, 2007 EXTREMELY TENSE"High Tension" is very-very scary. I love horror movies and have been watching them for many years, I thought nothing can scare me now. But I was wrong. "High Tension" is very gruesome, very gory, very merciless and very atrocious. There are few films you really believe. Because often characters act stupid and not life-like, often when violence happens on screen we don't percept it like real violence. But here it's a completely different story. Here you really begin to understand why people tend to petrify and not to do anything when they face a murderer. In "High Tension" blood is blood, violence is violence - everything is for real. Sometimes it looks like this movie took all the best from "Wrong Turn", "Jeepers Creepers", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", digested it and gave us in all new kind of form - more terrifying form.
Watching "High Tension" you can't escape the thought that all is happening in safe and trouble-free France, not in some big criminal megapolis. And this thought deteriorates all your scares. Because you really start feeling yourself in characters' shoes. It can happen to anyone.
To my opinion "High Tension" is one of the best horror movies of the last years.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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The King of Comedy (Widescreen) (US Version)
The King of Comedy (Widescreen) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$9.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:February 28, 2007 GREAT COMEDYThat's what happens when a movie is being made by true masters. De Niro and Scorsese created many films together and it seems everything they lay their hands on turns to gold - whether it's a gangster flick or a comedy. There are practically no jokes in "The King of Comedy" (except the ones De Niro and Jerry Lewis let off during their stand-up acts, but that's a comedy within a comedy) but this film is just killing. It pretends to be very serious but this seriousness is also hilarious. That's a real skill to make a no-nonsense movie everybody will be laughing madly about. To my opinion this is one of the best works of Robert De Niro (I know - he had many, but this one really deserves to be called so), Jerry Lewis - I can't describe how great he is here, and Sandra Bernhard is also outstanding.
"The King of Comedy" is a less known film of Martin Scorsese and I can't find an explanation why. But the fact it's not that known as his other works doesn't diminish its value. Grab this flick as soon as possible - it's one of the best tragicomedies ever put on celluloid.
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Opera (US Version)
February 28, 2007 EXCELLENT EDITION"Opera" was made during Argento's golden period and stands among his best works ("Profondo Rosso", "Suspiria", "Inferno", "Phenomena", "Tenebre"). I remember seeing the poster of the movie - a girl with needles taped before her eyes - and was fascinated and wanted to watch it ever since. And when I finally did I was not disappointed. Argento is tremendously good at creating detective stories, but one thing that separates him from other directors - in his movies "what" isn't as important as "how". "Opera" like all other of his giallo films has a tense detective plot with rather an unexpected twist in the end, it's gory, violent and graphic but the main thing about all this - is how it's all done. Any other director would make a simple thriller out of this story but Argento's "how" is what really matters. Atmosphere in "Opera" (like in his other films) is hard to relate. The story itself is very real but all the time you have a feeling that you are in a dream. All those strange sets and empty streets, hidden passages between the walls, secret rooms and real lakes of water in the basements of the old houses (I'm now talking about other films of Argento as well) create an aura of mistique and dream fantasies so that after watching the movie you ask yourself: was it all real? Argento is a true master of creating an atmosphere of irreality within reality. Even if you are not a fan of giallo and italian horror movies "Opera" is definately worth to see because I bet you haven't seen anything like that yet.
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Sideways (Academy Awards Collection; Widescreen) (US Version)
Sideways (Academy Awards Collection; Widescreen) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.98Related promotions:February 28, 2007 SAD, FUNNY AND TRUE-LIFEread reviews where people said the characters are unlikable. My wife dropped watching after 20 minutes saying two main characters are jerks and she doesn't feel any empathy for them. Well, all I can say - don't stop watching after the beginning - this movie really deserves to be seen. Giamatti's and Church's characters may not be role models but they are truthful and full of life. This is very true-life film in general. The genre is hard to define, it's just a movie about life.
Characters are very vivid, situations are real, relashionship is full of nuances, "Sideways" sometimes are extremely funny and very sad also. You really start feeling compassion towards the characters especially if you try to imagine yourself in their shoes. And especially if you're a man. Because practically Giamatti and Church personify here two types of men that exist on our planet. So anyway you can identify yourself with one or another. Both are lonely although differently, both are struggling to find themselves in life although again their lives and nature are very different. They try to find love and some meaning as all of us so I can't imagine this movie leaving someone apathetic. It's really touching and although it's not a tear-jerker sometimes you feel like crying. And don't be ashamed of it - it's a real man's movie and those will be real man's tears.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dawn of the Dead (Ultimate Edition) (US Version)
Dawn of the Dead (Ultimate Edition) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$49.98Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:February 28, 2007 ULTIMATELY ULTIMATEWell, every person who's in for cinema knows that "Dawn of the Dead" is a milestone picture. So it's obvious that you'd like to buy this one. And I won't tell about film itself - just a couple of words about this edition. I'd call it "All You Ever Wanted To Know About 'Dawn...'". Because here you have everything you could possibly desire. Commentaries, documentaries, galleries, trailers etc. EVERYTHING on 4 discs. The edition has three versions of the film - U.S. theatrical, extended and European. Extended is rather longer and has some bonus scenes but U.S. theatrical is what was prefered by George Romero himself so it's the one what this film was supposed to be from the very beginning. The European one was edited by Dario Argento and is slightly shorter than the others but it's not because Argento just shortened it - he cut out some footage but he inserted some more - some gory stuff. So it's not like this version is cut, don't be confused, it has some footage not available in other versions so it's interesting to watch anyway. They say there is some German version which is the extended plus Argento's footage but it was not possible to edit all this in potable way so this version is a total mess and is not necessary to watch. Anyway you have all that's needed here.
I don't think there will ever be some edition to top this one so buy it without any doubts. It is definately worth the money.
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Goodfellas (Special Edition)
February 28, 2007 ONE OF THE TOP MOB MOVIESMany people argue about what's better - "Goodfellas" or "Godfather". I guess there's no point in discussing this question. Every movie is great. "Goodfellas" might not be as sophisticated as "Godfather" but it shows the dreadful reality of a criminal's life. The film is brutal, ruthless and clever. Director's work is brilliant, maybe one of the best by Scorcese, the cast is outstanding - Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta and many others (many of them you could later see in "The Sopranos"). Part of the film's charm is that many scenes were ad-libbed by actors as said in bonus features. You'll definately want to rewind and watch them again. What's also interesting is that the movie is based on actual events and on memoirs of the real mafioso Henry Hill (who is played by Liotta here). By the way the disc has a commentary track by Hill so you can hear how it all happened in real life.
One of the greatest mob movies, one of the greatest movies in general. True example of a downward spiral for a man who has chosen the wrong path. Don't miss it.
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Blood and Black Lace (2-Disc Unslashed Collector's Edition) (US Version)
Blood and Black Lace (2-Disc Unslashed Collector's Edition) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:February 28, 2007 PERFECT EXAMPLE OF GIALLOModern thrillers, supersaturated with special effects, gruesome shots and hair-raising music, sometimes seem to be a surfeit. Sometimes it's needed to watch something more simple, something calm and dear. Old giallo films work out just fine. Sometimes it looks like they don't have any excessive details, that it's just a carcass of a thriller, a good plot without any unnecessary accessories. You can't get tired of such movies. Tired of too loud music or MTV-style editing.
But this carcass is not gnawed, not bald. Although "Blood and Black Lace" was shot about 40 years ago when giallo genre was just developing it's done very professionally. Directing is very precise, music is scary and used very accurately, the use of light and color can't be overestimated.
If you choose "Blood and Black Lace" to kill time on Sunday evening you won't be disappointed for sure and get lots of enjoyment.
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Men Behind the Sun (US Version)
Men Behind the Sun (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$19.95Save: US$2.96 (15%)Related promotions:February 28, 2007 SHOCKING TRUTH"Men Behind the Sun" is very gruesome and gives you a sense of unease. You see how simple is to put something in a man's head - for example that some people are not people at all, that killing them is not a bad thing, that they are just "material" for experiments. If this is told to young boys who are rather perceptive they can later become the ones like Shiro Ishii - a man with no morality and no soul.
The scene of autopsy is terrible. It lasts just a couple of minutes and we can clearly see how a young living creature can be turned dead in just moments. And noone feels guilt or hesitates. We just see those "doctors" operate fast and with confidence, then they laugh and make jokes - it all looks terrible and makes you feel very sick. It's a good thing real pathologies and a real cadaver were used for this scene so the impression could be at its full.
And the most horrible thing is that it's all true - it all really happened. More than that the director in his interview says he didn't shoot many things that were much worse than those shown in the film.
Not so long ago I watched a documentary on Russian TV about 731 squad. In Russia we have some archives concerning the squad 'cos some of its members were caught here after the war but released then(!) So in the end of this documentary authors say they menaged to talk to some of Ishii squad members who are obviously rather old now. And these people say they don't regret anything, they have no remorse about what they were doing. They still assume they served their country, they did what was best for it, they were doing the right thing. The members of the squad sometimes gather to spend some time and recall "good old times". How is that possible?! I'm not a bloodthirsty person, I don't think they all must be put to death, all they have to do is repent. But why can't they? Why don't they understand?
Anyway have this film, it's really important. But don't bother if you're an exploitation flicks fan.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Fargo (DVD) (Special Edition) (US Version)
Fargo (DVD) (Special Edition) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$14.98Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:February 28, 2007 BRILLIANTJust like "The Big Lebowski" this movie is the one you can watch over and over again, many-many times and you won't get bored. Early works of Coen brothers like "Blood Simple" and "Miller's Crossing" were very good, but "Fargo" is an absolute pinnacle of their career to my opinion. Because what they are doing now is not awful of course but they are regressing for sure.
At first glance "Fargo" is a small movie - small cities, small people, small problems. But it's the Coen's genius that turned it all into a brilliant, smart, ironic and inimitable masterpiece. I've never been to Minnesota but to me the film seems so vivid. It's one of those rare occasions when you forget you're watching actors play. Here you watch real people who don't play at all - they live on screen. And they live funny. Every character here is so laughable it's hard to understand whether filmmakers laugh at them or pity them. And let's not forget it's a criminal film. This is one of the Coen brothers' gifts - to make serious funny and absurd.
Dialogs are just awesome, I can't recall a movie which could compare to "Fargo" concerning dialogs. Maybe just "Pulp Fiction".
Definately a piece of cinematic art. Besides a very good edition with interesting documentary in bonus features.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Snatch (2-Discs; Special Edition) (US Version)
Snatch (2-Discs; Special Edition) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$19.94Related promotions:February 20, 2007 HILARIOUSSome people write in their reviews the movie is braindead, stupid and not funny at all. Well, it depends on what kind of humor you prefer. If you like Tarantino, Coen brothers, Guy Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", films like "Thursday", "Get Shorty" and "Way of the Gun", then this opus is just for you. If you can't stand all of the listed above - just skip this one.
To my opinion "Snatch" is much better then previous Ritchie's work, more than that - it's one of the best criminal comedies. It's more criminal than others, it's more funny than others. Guy Ritchie actually did his best here and created an atmosphere of absurd, chaotic fun. The acting is perfect, Brad Pitt is totally different from what we used to see, Dennis Farina is just soooo hilarious! Now I can't normally see him in other movies - I recall "Snatch" and begin to laugh hysterically.
The characters' lines are funny and the way they deliver them is even funnier. By the way it's one of the few films I had to watch with captions - I couldn't understand much of being said because of their cockney (if I'm not mistaken) accent.
Anyway if you like crazy criminal comedies - watch it without any question. If you don't - watch something else instead.
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Dog Soldiers (US Version)
February 20, 2007 DON'T MISS ITLately horror films are becoming stupid and simple. Brainless plots, remakes, sequels... Nothing new. But occasionally some director makes something that deserves to be watched and liked. And I have to say that more and more of these movies now are not born in Hollywood but across the Atlantics. European horror gets strength particularly in Britain. Of the latest ones "28 Days Later" and "Dog Soldiers" come to mind first. At first glance there's nothing original in "Dog Soldiers" - a typical werewolf tale. But it's just at the first glance. Here a squad of british soldiers during the maneuvers is being attacked by werewolves and has to hide and hold defence in a small cabin amidst forests of Scotland.
The movie is very sinister, the atmosphere of the dark woods is obscure and disturbing, werewolves themselves are very well done - they are really frightening and unpleasant. But one of the main things I liked about "Dog Soldiers" is that the characters don't behave stupid, their actions are not like in many other horror films when you want to scream: "Don't do it, fool! Don't go there alone! You all have to stay together!" and so on. Here all are doing the right thing and don't act stupid or strange. Maybe because they are soldiers.
Don't miss this film, you'll find a lot of pleasure watching it especially if you like good old horror tales.
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United States - English
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